Dream Drive No. 2 Part IV

The First 2006 Z06: The Final Chapter

The body has been married to the frame, the brakes are on, andeverything is looking good.

This month, we finish up our series on walking the line with the first2006 Z06 being built at the Corvette Assembly Plant. Over the last fourmonths, we've documented the complete build of this historic Corvette,beginning with the frame and following the car through the assemblyplant. The body was pulled offline at least twice to make sure thisvehicle was up to snuff.

Last month, we went to the drivetrain assembly line and prepared todocument the assembly and where it was eventually married to the body.This is the final chapter of the build. Follow along and watch the carfinally come off the line. We want to thank everyone involved in makingthis special covert operation a success. Let's do it again sometime.

*Watch for an upcoming bonus gallery with extra pics froom our trip down the line with te first 2006 Corvette Z06!

MORE PHOTOS

The body has been married to the frame, the brakes are on, andeverything is looking good.

This is Dan Hommes, the design release engineer for the LS7 dry-sumpsystem. Here, he's preparing to install the dry sump tank into the car.

These holes in the Z06 frame are to accept the dry sump tank.

In goes the first sump tank.

Several people were helping position the tank so all the lines wouldline up correctly. Most of the special operation was evaluated in realtime so the assembly line personnel could discern the best method forinstalling the part on the next Z06 coming down the line.

The tank is finally in.

Wil Cooksey discussing the fit of the rear inner wheelwell.

Some of the engine-compartment wiring harnesses are added.

The car takes flight once more.

It comes down from the rafters a final time.

The new hood is installed.

The new 7.0L valve covers are installed.

At this station, a new modified piece of tooling is used to attachthe new energy absorber for the Z06. This is necessary since the Z06fascia is different. After the rest of the experimental cars were built,this tooling was replaced with permanent tooling to be used on allremaining '05 and upcoming '06 production cars.

New fascias are ready for installation.

The fascia is being prepared.

The fascia is installed and adjustments are being made for thecorrect fit.

Still checking things out.

The all-new wheels for the Z06 are on the floor.

The wheels are being installed.

Another wheel is being installed.

Wil tells us about the new kick-butt exhaust system.

Wil says to himself, "Boy, I hope this engine fires." It does.

After engine fire, the car is in the final stretch. Doesn't thatengine just rock?

Andrea Hales and Sherry Southern put the banner on the car about 100feet from the end of the line. The car is still in the air.

Touchdown. The car is on the ground for the first time.

The staff at Bowling Green ask if I want to ride shotgun while Wildrives the car off the line. The answer is a big yes. Totally awesome(as my 14-year-old son would say).

Tim Gensler, UAW chairman of Local 2164 and Wil shaking hands on ajob well done.

Everyone is invited to get in a group picture.

After we take the car outside, Andrea Hales and Sherry Southern takea pose with the Z06.